Power Under Control

Matthew 26:53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?"

We all have some power: muscle power, financial power, brain power. Even when we feel powerless and go through seasons where we seem to be trapped by circumstance and have no options left, we still have power. For better or worse, we have certain powers that have lasting repercussions. These are the powers of choice: to forgive or not, to take vengeance or not, to take a life or not, to trust God or not. The choices that matter go beyond this life.

Jesus had the power of heaven and earth at His disposal. And yet he allowed himself to be subjected to abuse and humiliation, to pain and death. Why? To fulfill a "fovever-task". Some victories are unseen, especially those that will matter for eternity.

O Lord, help us to be humble and to trust you. These temporal powers that you have entruted to me: the power to influence my home, my husband, my kids... the power to check myself and keep my mouth shut... the power to be grateful for your daily guidance and provision... the power to make my days matter for eternity... Help me to live the life You would want me to.

The Manna Test

Exodus 15:4 Then the LORD said to Moses, "I am going to rain bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. This way I will test them to see whether or not they will follow My instructions. 5 On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on other days."

Sometimes we wonder why we feel like we've been walking a long time with the Lord, and yet there are issues we deal with in our life that go around in circles. Some personal victories are quick, but there are some problems that never seem to go away. We keep passing through the same wilderness, have the same conversations with God, and he gives us the same temporary solutions. But we never see total breakthrough. Soon enough, we're back where we started, asking for the same provision of grace/healing/provision/forgiveness.

In this passage, we may get some clue to why God may be dealing with us this way.. We may accuse him of being partial to others, of giving us a hard time, or of being hard of hearing. But the Lord is watching out for only one thing: "to see whether or not they will follow My instructions."

There is a way that seems right to us, and yet it may end in destruction. Our Father knows the best way, which is His way... We need only to trust and obey. If in our present hardship, he is working things out in and through us, who are we to complain?

Lord, help me to know that as I continue to trust and obey you, you are working things out in my behalf. Help me to see and take courage in the fact that in ALL things, you are working it out for my good. Help me to keep at it even when I feel like I'm walking around in circles. Give me your eyes to see the true course. Give me your vantage point so I will not lose heart. Thank you that in all this, you love me and care for me.